International Students' Library Resources Page
Please click on the heading to see the appropriate content.
- Welcome to the University of Cincinnati Libraries!
- Hundreds of international students come to UC every year. Some of you may have used American libraries before, while others will find out that libraries in the United States are very different from the libraries in your countries. This page is your guide to the UC Libraries. It will help you understand how the libraries work and what services and resources you can find here.
- Library Research in American Universities
- In American higher education, independent research, including library research, is very important. Your professors will often expect you to find books and articles on your topic rather than tell you what you need to read. You will eventually have to present the results of your research, often in the form of a research paper.UC Libraries have a book that may be very helpful to you, Beyond the Answer Sheet : Academic Success for International Students by William B. Badke. You also need to be aware of plagiarism, using another writer’s words or ideas as your own. Read more about plagiarism policies at UC and avoiding plagiarism.
- In American higher education, independent research, including library research, is very important. Your professors will often expect you to find books and articles on your topic rather than tell you what you need to read. You will eventually have to present the results of your research, often in the form of a research paper.UC Libraries have a book that may be very helpful to you, Beyond the Answer Sheet : Academic Success for International Students by William B. Badke. You also need to be aware of plagiarism, using another writer’s words or ideas as your own. Read more about plagiarism policies at UC and avoiding plagiarism.
- Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about UC Libraries
- How do I get a library card?
- All currently enrolled students may borrow materials using their University of Cincinnati I.D. card (Bearcat Campus Card). You also need the card to print materials.
- I forgot my UC ID. Can I still check out books?
- You may use any valid picture I.D., such as a driver's license, to check out materials. For printing you may purchase a card from a Bearcat Campus Card machine for $1 and put money for printing on it.
- What is my library username and password?
- To login to library computers and use some catalog functions (for example, requesting books) you will need to enter your username and password, also known as UCID. If you forgot your password log in to the Get My UCID online utility to change it. More information about UCID.
- Where are the textbooks for my class?
- The University of Cincinnati Libraries' collections generally do NOT include textbooks. You may try to search the OhioLINK catalog and request the textbook from another institution, if it is available. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to keep it for a whole quarter, as item are subject to recall after 3 weeks. More information on textbooks in the library.
- How many books can I check out?
- Generally undergraduate students may check out up to 50 books, graduate students up to 100 books. See Library Patron Privileges for detail.
- Can I keep the book for a whole quarter?
- Loan periods vary depending on material and patron type. Please note that all materials can be recalled if they are wanted by other patrons. If you get a recall notice (a request to return the book wanted by another patron), please note that fines will be applied from the day it needs to be returned.
- What are reserves?
- Your professor may put some material on reserve for a class. To find this material select the "Reserves" link in the Library Catalog top navigation bar. The URL is http://www.libraries.uc.edu/cj/reserves.html. This page provides links to search of traditional (print) reserves by instructor's name or course. Electronic Reserves are posted directly through individual Blackboard course pages.
- To locate print reserve materials, note the location in the library record (Langsam Reserves, Engineering Reserves, etc.) You need to come to the appropriate library and ask a librarian at the circulation desk to get the reserve item for you. It will help if you give the librarian the title and call number of the reserve material you need. Please note that these materials may have short circulation times. They need to be return on time and to the location where you borrowed them.
- How do I get a book from another library?
- From Another UC Library
- You may request materials with the AVAILABLE status from other UC libraries to be sent to the library of their choice for pick up. Locate the appropriate record for the book desired in the UC library catalog and choose the “Request” option. Fill out the requested information and choose the library where the book is to be delivered. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may also view Your Library Record to check on the status of your request.
- Please note that If you select the same library location for picking up the book as the one where the book is located (for example, you request a book from Langsam stacks to be delivered to Langsam Circulation), the request will be cancelled.
- You may request materials with the AVAILABLE status from other UC libraries to be sent to the library of their choice for pick up. Locate the appropriate record for the book desired in the UC library catalog and choose the “Request” option. Fill out the requested information and choose the library where the book is to be delivered. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may also view Your Library Record to check on the status of your request.
- From OhioLINK
- When materials you need are not available from any University of Cincinnati library location, you may request items with the AVAILABLE status from an OhioLINK library. Search for materials in the OhioLINK Library Catalog and request items using the “Request This Item” link in the record. Materials from other OhioLINK libraries generally arrive within 3-5 business days. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may also view Your Library Record to check on the status of your request.
- By Interlibrary Loan
- If the item is not available in University of Cincinnati Libraries and OhioLINK member libraries, you can request it by Interlibrary Loan. If you don't have an Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) account yet, you need to go to the page for first time user registration.
- From Another UC Library
- I requested a book to be held for me at the library - why didn't I get it?
- If you select the same library location for picking up the book as the one where the book is located (for example, you request a book from Langsam stacks to be delivered to Langsam Circulation), the request will be cancelled.
- How do I access library electronic resources (databases, e-books, etc.) from off-campus?
- Click here to connect for off-campus access it using your UCID. The page also has information and tips related to off-campus access.
- Connecting via VPN is a preferred method. It opens a 4-hour session.
- If you are connecting from a shared computer, use the proxy server login. After you login using this method the following will be added in front of the URL in the address box: http://proxy.libraries.uc.edu/login?url=. If you experience any problems with displaying the article full text, check the address box. If you lost the proxy you need to login for off-campus access again.
- What is CEAS?
- In the library catalog and on some Web pages library locations are abbreviated. Abbreviations for library locations can be found here. See other abbreviations and definitions of common library words at http://www.libraries.uc.edu/help/glossary.html.
- How do I get a library card?
- Finding and Locating Library Materials
- Finding Articles
- You can't find a separate article in the library catalog. See tips on how to find articles if you have a citation or if you are researching a topic. Using the Summon metasearch tool is a great start.
- Finding Journals, Newspapers, and Magazines
- The Library Catalog provides Journal Search Tips, which include tips on finding electronic and print versions of periodicals - journals, magazines, and newspapers.
Current periodicals are stored in a designated area in each library. Periodicals for previous years are arranged by call number and stored together with books. Some periodicals are available on microforms. Library staff will help you find the microforms and use them.
- The Library Catalog provides Journal Search Tips, which include tips on finding electronic and print versions of periodicals - journals, magazines, and newspapers.
- Finding Books
- Use the Library Catalog to find the books in UC Libraries' collections. The link to the Catalog appears under Quicklinks on most library Web pages. You can search for books by author, title, keyword or subject. The catalog also includes records for maps, videos, music scores, slides and other material types. Consult tips for using the catalog for more information, including finding books not available at UC.
The University of Cincinnati Libraries' collections generally do NOT include textbooks. You may try to search the OhioLINK catalog and request the textbook from another institution, if it is available. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to keep it for a whole quarter, as item are subject to recall after 3 weeks. More information on textbooks.
Your professors may put textbooks and/or some important course material on reserve. In addition, some materials required for your courses are available electronically. See tips below on finding electronic resources in the library catalog.
- Use the Library Catalog to find the books in UC Libraries' collections. The link to the Catalog appears under Quicklinks on most library Web pages. You can search for books by author, title, keyword or subject. The catalog also includes records for maps, videos, music scores, slides and other material types. Consult tips for using the catalog for more information, including finding books not available at UC.
- Finding Electronic Resources
- A lot of material (articles, encyclopedias and dictionaries, statistics, etc.) is available electronically.
- Many electronic reference source (dictionaries, encyclopedias, statistical sources, etc) can be found under the Online Reference tab on the UC Libraries page.
- Article databases can be found in the A-Z List of Databases.
- To find electronic resources in the library catalog, on any search screen from the drop-down menu next to " Limit all searches to: (optional)" select "Online Books, Databases, and Journals." Please note that this limit will be applied to all subsequent searches.
- To change your limit or go back to the entire collection, make a selection from the drop-down menu or click the “Start Over” button.
UC libraries subscribe to many e-book collections in a variety of disciplines. Not all of those books have individual records in the library catalog. You may go directly into the electronic book collections and search or browse their content.
- Finding Materials on Reserve
- Your professor may put some material on reserve for a class. To find this material select the "Reserves" link in the Library Catalog top navigation bar. The URL is http://www.libraries.uc.edu/cj/reserves.html. This page provides links to search of traditional (print) reserves by instructor's name or course. Electronic Reserves are posted directly through individual Blackboard course pages.
- To locate print reserve materials, note the location in the library record (Langsam Reserves, Engineering Reserves, etc.) You need to come to the appropriate library and ask a librarian at the circulation desk to get the reserve item for you. It will help if you give the librarian the title and call number of the reserve material you need. Please note that these materials may have short circulation times. They need to be return on time and to the location where you borrowed them.
- Locating Information
- After you find a book or any other item in the UC Library Catalog, you need to locate it in the library. Tips on locating library materials.
If you cannot find the item on the shelf, a librarian at the circulation/service desk will be happy to assist you.
- After you find a book or any other item in the UC Library Catalog, you need to locate it in the library. Tips on locating library materials.
- Getting Material Not Available at Your Library
- From Another UC Library
- You may request materials with the AVAILABLE status from otherUC libraries to be sent to the library of their choice for pick up. Locate the appropriate record for the book desired in the UC library catalog and choose the “Request” option. Fill out the requested information and choose the library where the book is to be delivered. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may also view Your Library Record to check on the status of your request.
Please note that If you select the same library location for picking up the book as the one where the book is located (for example, you request a book from Langsam stacks to be delivered to Langsam Circulation), the request will be cancelled.
- You may request materials with the AVAILABLE status from otherUC libraries to be sent to the library of their choice for pick up. Locate the appropriate record for the book desired in the UC library catalog and choose the “Request” option. Fill out the requested information and choose the library where the book is to be delivered. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may also view Your Library Record to check on the status of your request.
- From OhioLINK
- When materials you need are not available from any University of Cincinnati library location, you may request items with the AVAILABLE status from an OhioLINK library. Search for materials in the OhioLINK Library Catalog and request items using the “Request This Item” link in the record. Materials from other OhioLINK libraries generally arrive within 3-5 business days. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may also view Your Library Record to check on the status of your request.
- By Interlibrary Loan
- If the item is not available in University of Cincinnati Libraries and OhioLINK member libraries, you can request it by Interlibrary Loan. If you don't have an Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) account yet, you need to go to the page for first time user registration.
- From Another UC Library
- Finding Articles
- Policies and Procedures for Using the Library
- Locating Material
- In most UC Libraries you are expected to locate the books yourself. Consult tips on locating material in the section above.
- Checking out Material
- What can be checked out
- You may borrow all material that has the Available status in the catalog (some items such as reference books, newspapers and magazines are not available for loan). You must check out the material you wish to borrow at the service desk.
- At Langsam Library you may borrow videos, DVDs, computer files, and equipment at the Circulation/Multimedia Services desk. More information on borrowing equipment.
- How to check out
- For checking out library material you need your University of Cincinnati I.D. card (see Bearcat Campus Card).
- If you forgot your library I.D., you may use any valid picture I.D., such as a driver's license.
- When you check out a book, the library staff member will put a stamp in your book to remind you when it needs to be returned. You can also manage your account online (see tips on managing your library record).
Loan Periods
- Loan periods vary depending on material and patron type. Please note that all materials can be recalled if they are wanted by other patrons. If you get a recall notice (a request to return the book wanted by another patron), please note that fines will be applied from the day it needs to be returned.
- What can be checked out
- Security
- The security gates are installed to make sure that all materials taken out of the library have been checked out. Sometimes the alarm may ring accidentally. If this happens to you, please let the librarian on duty talk to you to find out what may have caused the alarm to go out.
Please do not leave your personal belongings unattended at any time. You can reserve a locker at Langsam Library to keep your books and other possessions. Please inquire about this free service at Langsam Circulation.
- The security gates are installed to make sure that all materials taken out of the library have been checked out. Sometimes the alarm may ring accidentally. If this happens to you, please let the librarian on duty talk to you to find out what may have caused the alarm to go out.
- Courtesy
- Conversation in study areas disturbs library users. Please cooperate with librarians if you have been asked to be quiet.
- If you are working on a group project, you may reserve a group study room available in some libraries. In Langsam Library group study rooms are located on Level 5 in the book stacks area. To use a room, check the sign-up sheet on the door, and, if the room is available, just sign your name. In Langsam please refer all questions and problems pertaining to study rooms to the InfoCommons desk (556-1867) located on Level 4. UCit@Langsam, a 24-hour computer lab on Level 5 of Langsam Library, has a quiet study space and four group study rooms, two with SMART Boards. Group Study rooms can be reserved in advance for up to 3-hour sessions.
- Some libraries also have study carrels and video viewing rooms. For detail please ask at the Service or Circulation Desk of the appropriate library.
- Eating, Drinking, and Smoking
- Eating and using tobacco in any form are prohibited in all University Libraries. Drinks are permitted, but they must be in closed containers.
- Locating Material
- Library Terms, Abbreviations, and Acronyms
- Libraries have their own "language". While you may be familiar with library terminology in your own language or in British English, terms used in American libraries may be new to you.
See a list of common library words and their definitions at http://www.libraries.uc.edu/help/glossary.html. The list also includes some abbreviations.
- Abbreviations for library locations used in the library catalog and on library Web pages can be found here.
You can also find information about a library location by clicking the link under "Location" in the library record: -
The link will take you to a page for the appropriate library. The page may or may not include information on how to get to a particular location. Check the map of UC's West Campus with key to University Libraries (PDF). Maps and directions for all UC campuses can be found at http://www.uc.edu/visitors/.
We hope you will learn to use library terms to explain your research needs to the library staff. If some words and definitions are still hard to understand, you may check the translation into your native language in the language table and look up the definitions in the multilingual glossary compiled by the Instruction Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries.
- Libraries have their own "language". While you may be familiar with library terminology in your own language or in British English, terms used in American libraries may be new to you.
- Learning More About Libraries
- Library Classes and Workshops
- Many professors bring students to the libraries for library sessions on doing research in a specific subject area or for a specific project. If you are a graduate teaching assistant you may request a library session for your students.
University of Cincinnati Libraries offer workshops for students, staff and faculty to promote the effective use of library resources, as well as the use of new tools and technologies available for research, teaching and presentations. Some college and departmental libraries offer their own training and library tours. You may request a group or individual tour.
Online instructionThe Research Help section of the University Libraries Web site contains search tips and information on locating material in University Libraries. Learn online at your own pace using our tutorials, handouts, and guides, including software tutorials.
Web sites of college and departmental libraries provide easy access to many electronic resources. Many Web sites include guides to resources and other instructional material.
- Many professors bring students to the libraries for library sessions on doing research in a specific subject area or for a specific project. If you are a graduate teaching assistant you may request a library session for your students.
- Library Classes and Workshops
- Library Employment Opportunities
Page content: Olga Hart
The page was last updated on September 14, 2011